The long wait will be over today when the World Cup kicks off in South Africa with the hosts playing Mexico.

Football's a truly beautiful game at its best and has a rare ability to unite nations and the nations of the world, bringing together people in an individual country while uniting countries in pursuit of the glittering prize.

The 2010 showcase crowns the transformation of South Africa from international pariah during the evil era of apartheid into a land with enormous potential.

And here in the UK we hope Fabio Capello's Three Lions will end 44 years of hurt and return with the most prized trophy in sport.

Clearly it will not be easy and lady luck needs to smile on England if the team's to emulate the heroes of 1966.

But if Wayne Rooney, Steve Gerrard and the rest fulfill their potential and get the rub of the green, we're in with a very good shout.

So enjoy a fiesta of football with every English man and woman - plus Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish of goodwill - cheering England. Let's live the dream.